Author(s)

K.L. KATSIFARAKIS, K. TSELEPIDOU, N. KONSTANTAKOS, D. STAMATI, E. MPLETSA & I. TZANAKIS

Abstract

The application of genetic algorithms to the optimization of certain aspects of low-enthalpy geothermal district heating schemes is presented. In particular, minimization of the cost due to pumping and amortization of the construction of the pipe network inside the geothermal field is investigated. An outline of the optimization code is given and its performance is evaluated through application examples to geothermal fields with uniform and non-uniform water temperature distribution. In addition, a procedure to decide the number of new wells that should be drilled is discussed. It has been concluded that the use of the proposed technique may result in substantial cost reduction, thus promoting the direct use of geothermal energy.

Keywords

amortization cost, cost minimization, direct use, genetic algorithms, geothermal energy, pumping cost.